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United States Patent |
6,119,314
|
Freed
|
September 19, 2000
|
Multi-function tie
Abstract
An extremely versatile tie which can; 1) be releasable or non-releasable;
2) tie one bundle or two bundles;, 3) be threaded from either side; 4)
have a circular or oval shape; 5) have controlled release; and 6) attach
to other ties so two or more ties can be opened in unison. This tie can be
made out of one or more pieces. Each releasable tie has a strap, a holder,
and a retainer, which can be in a locked or unlocked position. In the
locked position, the tie can tighten in discrete increments, but cannot
loosen. In the unlocked position, the tie can loosen or release in
discrete increments (i.e., controlled release), but cannot tighten. The
retainer and holder engage to keep the tie in either a locked or unlocked
position. To ensure that the retainer and holder are not accidentally
dislodged from the locked or unlocked position, a deliberate movement
(perpendicular to the strap) is required by the user. This is accomplished
by the user "lifting up" (or "pushing down", or "pushing in on") the
holder (or retainer). After the retainer and holder are dislodged, the
user may move the tie from a locked to an unlocked position (or visa
versa) by either swiveling or sliding the holder (retainer or strap) to
the other position. Swivel embodiments and slide embodiments are
disclosed. One of the sliding embodiments slides lengthwise, the other
slides crosswise. The holder of one swivel embodiment must be "lifted" to
dislodge. The holder of another swivel embodiment must be "pushed down" to
dislodge. Two or more ties may be attached so that the user can lock or
unlock them in unison (i.e., requiring only one motion by the user).
Inventors:
|
Freed; Anna B. (185 E. 85th St., New York, NY 10028)
|
Appl. No.:
|
265726 |
Filed:
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March 9, 1999 |
Current U.S. Class: |
24/16PB; 24/17AP; 24/30.5P |
Intern'l Class: |
B65D 063/00; B65D 077/00; F16L 033/00 |
Field of Search: |
24/16 PB,17 AP,30.5 P
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
880116 | Feb., 1908 | Arnow.
| |
1907778 | May., 1933 | Freysinger.
| |
2138542 | Nov., 1938 | Goldberg.
| |
3200464 | Aug., 1965 | Cousins | 24/230.
|
3224056 | Dec., 1965 | Joffe | 24/16.
|
3422499 | Jan., 1969 | Merser | 24/16.
|
3653099 | Apr., 1972 | Hoffman | 24/16.
|
3654669 | Apr., 1972 | Fulton | 24/16.
|
3721750 | Mar., 1973 | Countryman | 174/135.
|
3747163 | Jul., 1973 | Serino | 24/16.
|
3747164 | Jul., 1973 | Fortsch | 24/16.
|
3748699 | Jul., 1973 | Cunningham | 24/38.
|
4263697 | Apr., 1981 | Speedie | 24/30.
|
4501354 | Feb., 1985 | Hoffman | 206/77.
|
4557023 | Dec., 1985 | Siex et al. | 24/16.
|
4566158 | Jan., 1986 | Lau | 24/580.
|
4573242 | Mar., 1986 | Lankton et al. | 24/16.
|
4577375 | Mar., 1986 | Beaussant | 24/580.
|
4615185 | Oct., 1986 | Bollinger | 63/5.
|
4665588 | May., 1987 | Nakano | 24/16.
|
4680834 | Jul., 1987 | Andre et al. | 24/16.
|
4788751 | Dec., 1988 | Shely et al. | 24/16.
|
4862561 | Sep., 1989 | Lichtenberg | 24/16.
|
4897899 | Feb., 1990 | Shely et al. | 24/16.
|
4908911 | Mar., 1990 | Bretti et al. | 24/16.
|
4976017 | Dec., 1990 | Frano | 24/585.
|
5224244 | Jul., 1993 | Ikeda et al. | 24/16.
|
5377387 | Jan., 1995 | Freed.
| |
5395343 | Mar., 1995 | Iscovich | 24/16.
|
5537719 | Jul., 1996 | Freed.
| |
5758390 | Jun., 1998 | Villeneuve | 24/16.
|
5884367 | Mar., 1999 | Teagno et al. | 24/16.
|
5901416 | May., 1999 | Mears | 24/16.
|
Foreign Patent Documents |
845995 | Jul., 1970 | CA.
| |
641916 | Dec., 1963 | FR.
| |
Primary Examiner: Sakran; Victor N.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Darby & Darby
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A multi-function tie comprising:
(a) a strap having a plurality of teeth;
(b) a holder including upper and lower members and a pair of connecting
members, said connecting members connecting said upper and lower members;
(c) at least one upper tooth disposed on said upper member, said at least
one upper tooth cooperates with said plurality of teeth of said strap so
that when said strap and said holder are in a first position said strap is
discretely ratchetable in a first direction;
(d) at least one lower tooth disposed on said lower member, said at least
one lower tooth cooperates with said plurality of teeth of said strap so
that when said strap and said holder are in a second position said strap
is discretely ratchetable in a second direction, which is opposite to said
first direction;
(e) a retainer selectively engaging with said holder to retain said strap
in one of said first position and said second position; and
wherein one of said holder and said retainer being movable perpendicularly
with respect to a longitudinal direction of extension of said strap to
permit movement of said strap between said first position and said second
position.
2. A multi-function tie according to claim 1, wherein said at least one
upper tooth is parallel to said at least one lower tooth.
3. A multi-function tie according to claim 2, wherein said holder moves
sideways with respect to said strap during movement of said strap between
said first position and said second position.
4. A multi-function tie according to claim 2, wherein said retainer moves
lengthwise with respect to said strap during movement of said strap
between said first position and said second position.
5. A multi-function tie according to claim 1, wherein said at least one
upper tooth is disposed at an angle with respect to said at least one
lower tooth.
6. A multi-function tie according to claim 5, wherein said holder pivots
about an axis during movement of said strap between said first position
and said second position.
7. A multi-function tie according to claim 1, wherein one of said holder
and said retainer includes a male member and the other one of said holder
and said retainer includes a female member, said male member selectively
engages with said female member in one of said first position and said
second position.
8. A multi-function tie according to claim 1, further including a holder
orientation member that selectively engages with said holder and said
retainer in said first position and said second position.
9. A multi-function tie according to claim 1, wherein said strap contains a
border.
10. A multi-function tie according to claim 1, further comprising a handle
on said holder.
11. A multi-function tie according to claim 1, further including a boss
disposed on said retainer and a boss disposed on said holder, wherein said
boss disposed on said holder engages with said boss disposed on said
retainer to prevent movement of said retainer between said first position
and said second position.
12. A multi-function tie according to claim 1, further comprising a spring
member, wherein said spring member is biased during said movement of said
strap between one of said first position and said second position.
13. A multi-function tie according to claim 1, wherein said retainer has an
indicator and said holder has an indicator, said indicator on said
retainer aligns with said indicator on said holder to indicate when said
tie is in one of said first position and said second position.
14. A multi-function tie according to claim 1, wherein said at least one
upper tooth is pawled and wherein said at least one lower tooth is pawled.
15. A multi-function tie according to claim 1, further comprising a second
retainer, wherein said retainers are attached by an attachment member that
includes a handle.
16. A multi-function tie according to claim 1, further comprising a second
holder, wherein said holders are attached by an attachment member that
includes a handle.
17. A multi-function tie according to claim 16, wherein said attachment
member is integrally attached to said holders.
18. A multi-function tie according to claim 16, wherein said attachment
member has a plurality of teeth, said holders each having a plurality of
teeth, wherein said teeth on said attachment member engage with said teeth
on each of said two holders.
19. A multi-function tie comprising:
(a) a strap having a plurality of teeth;
(b) a holder including upper and lower members and a pair of connecting
members, said connecting members connecting said upper and lower members,
said holder being comprised of two portions;
(c) at least one upper tooth disposed on said upper member of one of said
two portions, said at least one upper tooth cooperating with said
plurality of teeth of said strap so that said strap is discretely
ratchetable in a first direction;
(d) at least one lower tooth disposed on said lower member on the other one
of said two portions, said at least one lower tooth cooperating with said
plurality of teeth of said strap so that said strap is discretely
ratchetable in a second direction, which is opposite to said first
direction; and
(e) a retainer engaged with said holder thereby separating said holder into
said two portions, said retainer selectively preventing movement of said
strap from one of said two portions to the other one of said two portions.
20. A multi-function tie according to claim 19, wherein said at least one
upper tooth is parallel to said at least one lower tooth.
21. A multi-function tie according to claim 19, wherein said retainer is
fixed with respect to said holder.
22. A multi-function tie according to claim 19, wherein said retainer is a
portion of said strap.
23. A multi-function tie according to claim 19, wherein said retainer
selectively permits movement of said strap from said one of said two
portions to the other one of said two portions.
24. A multi-function tie according to claim 23, wherein said retainer
slidably engages with a slot in said holder.
25. A multi-function tie according to claim 24, wherein said retainer has a
ridge for preventing removal of said retainer from said slot.
26. A multi-function tie according to claim 23, wherein said retainer and
said holder are attached by a flexible member.
27. A multi-function tie according to claim 19, wherein said pair of
connecting members have cut-outs therein to simplify molding.
28. A multi-function tie according to claim 19, further including a border
on said strap.
29. A multi-function tie according to claim 28, wherein said at least one
upper tooth and said at least one lower tooth are beveled.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to ties, fasteners, straps or belts. More
specifically, the present invention relates to a versatile tie that can be
used to tie items, such as, for example, garments, packages, cables,
orthopedic devices, footwear, luggage, etc. The ties of the present
invention are stronger, more versatile, and less expensive, than any known
ties.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventional ties are commonly made of plastic, velcro, or cord. Plastic
ties commonly contain a ratchet and pawl mechanism and are either
releasable or non-releasable. Releasable ties are difficult to release
because the pawl is difficult to access and actuate. Releasable ties are
structurally different from non-releasable ties and, therefore, must be
purchased separately. Ties that can hold two bundles are structurally
different than ties that hold one bundle and, therefore, must also be
purchased separately. Ties which form a circle are structurally different
than ties which form an oval shape. Additionally, ties are only
conventionally threaded one way.
Ties made of Velcro do not have a strong a gripping capability and tend to
lose their gripping strength after repeated usage and/or laundering. Ties
made of cord (such as laces) tend to come undone and wear out easily.
The multi-function ties of the present invention overcomes the above
disadvantages of conventional plastic, velcro, and cord ties and have
additional advantages that no known ties currently have.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to produce a tie
which is easy and inexpensive to manufacture and mold, yet is strong,
durable, reliable, and easy to use.
It is a further object of the present invention to produce a tie which has
many uses, so that the user will no longer need to buy and inventory
different ties.
It is yet another object of the present invention to produce a tie that can
be combined with one or more other ties so that only one motion is
required from the user to lock (or unlock) all the ties.
It is still yet another object of the present invention to produce a
versatile tie that is useful in multiple applications and industries.
According to several exemplary embodiments of a tie according to the
present invention, these and further objects are achieved.
The same identical one piece tie in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention can be threaded from the left or right side, can form a
round or oval shape, can hold one or two bundles, can be releasable or non
releasable, and can have a controlled release.
The ties of the present invention are extremely versatile and, thus, have
multiple functions. The ties may be of one or more pieces. The releasable
and non-releasable one piece tie of the present invention are structurally
identical. The user decides whether the tie will have a round or oval
shape, from which side to thread the tie, whether the tie will hold one or
two bundles, and whether the tie will be releasable or non-releasable. The
tie may be molded out of one piece, therefore requiring no assembly. These
benefits and features make the tie according to the present invention the
most versatile and inexpensive tie known.
The one piece tie contains a strap, a holder and a retainer, which are all
integrally attached to each other. The two piece tie contains either 1) a
strap attached to a holder (the retainer is a separate); 2) a strap
attached to the retainer (the holder is separate); 3) a retainer attached
to a holder (the strap is separate--and can be cut from a roll so that it
has a variable length). Of course, the tie may also be three pieces, in
which case the strap, holder, and retainer are each separate. The tie may
function as a releasable or non-releasable tie. When functioning as a
non-releasable tie, the tie requires no separate retainer. The
non-releasable tie can be used for virtually all uses that current
non-releasable cable ties are used for. In addition to tying cables, the
non-releasable tie can be used for ID bracelets, tags, and even handcuffs,
etc. Some of the other uses of this tie are exemplified in my prior U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,377,387 and 5,537,719, all of which are hereby incorporated by
reference, and include footwear (i.e., sneakers, roller blades, hiking
boots etc.), sports equipment, luggage, orthopedic devices, garments, seat
belts, etc. The current invention can also be used for "tie downs" or in
the boating industry (sail boats etc.) where controlled release may be a
benefit. It is believed that many other uses will be discovered as the
extreme versatility and other benefits of this tie become apparent.
When locked, the ties of the present invention tighten in discrete
increments, as conventional cable ties. When unlocked, the tie loosens in
discrete increments related to the pressure from the inside of the strap
(i.e., controlled release). By moving the retainer (or holder or strap),
the user may easily change the tie from a locked position (where the tie
cannot loosen, but can be tightened) to an unlocked position (where the
tie cannot tighten, but can be loosened).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and still further objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following
detailed description of a specific embodiment thereof, especially when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:
FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of a one piece tie in accordance
with the present invention;
FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the far side of the holder illustrated
in
FIG. 1C, with the strap inserted through the holder;
FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the one piece tie of FIG. 1A, threaded
from the right side of the holder, and in the locked position;
FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of the tie of FIG. 1A, in a circular
shape;
FIG. 1E is a perspective view of the tie of FIG. 1A, in the unlocked
position;
FIG. 1F/s a cross-sectional view of the near side of the holder of FIG. 1E,
with the strap inserted through the holder;
FIG. 1G is a cross-sectional view of the bottom of the holder of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective of the one piece tie in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the near side of the holder of the one
piece tie of FIG. 2C, with the strap inserted through the holder;
FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the one piece tie of FIG. 2A threaded from
the left side of the holder, and in the locked position;
FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of the tie of FIG. 2A, in an oval shape;
FIG. 2E is a perspective view of the tie of FIG. 2A, in the unlocked
position;
FIG. 2F is a cross-sectional view of the far side of the tie of FIG. 2E,
with the strap inserted through the holder;
FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the one piece tie threaded though the
holder twice;
FIG. 3B is a top view of the tie shown in FIG. 3A;
FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the one piece tie threaded through the
holder twice and holding ,two parallel bundles;
FIG. 4B is a top view of the tie shown in FIG. 4A;
FIG. 5A shows an exploded partial perspective view of the two piece
crosswise slide tie, holder, and retainer;
FIG. 5B is a partial perspective view of the two piece crosswise slide tie
of FIG. 5A, in the locked position;
FIG. 5C is a partial perspective view of the two piece crosswise slide tie
of FIG. 5A, in the controlled release or unlocked position;
FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of two attached cross-wise slide ties;
FIG. 7A is an exploded partial perspective view of the lengthwise slide
tie;
FIG. 7B is a partial perspective view of the assembled tie of FIG. 7A, with
the retainer in the locked position;
FIG. 7C is a side view of the retainer within the holder, with the retainer
shown in the "up" or unlocked position;
FIG. 7D is a side view of the retainer within the holder, with the retainer
shown in the "down" or unlocked position;
FIG. 7E is a partial perspective view of the assembled tie from side
opposite to that of the of FIG. 7B;
FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of two lengthwise slide ties that are
attached together;
FIG. 9 is an exploded partial perspective view of the two piece lift swivel
tie including the holder and retainer;
FIG. 9A is a partial perspective view of the two piece swivel tie in the
locked position;
FIG. 9B is a top view of the tie shown in FIG. 9A;
FIG. 9C is a partial perspective view of the two piece swivel tie in the
unlocked position;
FIG. 9D is a top view of the tie shown in FIG. 9C;
FIG. 10A is an exploded perspective view of the push down swivel tie, which
includes a spring;
FIG. 10B is perspective view of the assembled swivel tie of FIG. 10A,
showing, in phantom, a user pushing down and turning the holder to the
unlocked position;
FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of two attached swivel ties;
FIG. 12A is a top view of the ties of FIG. 11, in a locked position; and
FIG. 12B is a top view of the ties shown in FIG. 11, in an unlocked
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to FIGS. 1A-4B, a first exemplary embodiment of a one piece
tie 100 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. The one
piece tie is molded in one piece and, therefore, requires no assembly. The
ties shown in FIGS. 1A-2F are releasable (and reusable). The ties shown in
FIGS. 3A-4B are non-releasable, but may be reusable.
A holder 102 is shown in FIGS. 1A-1G being threaded by a strap 120 from the
right side of holder 102 and, thus, the tie has a rounded shape 162 (see
FIG. 1D) around cables 160 (or other contents). The use of relative terms,
such as, for example, right, left, far, near, etc. are with reference to
the drawing figures to aid in describing the invention. Thus, the use of
these relative terms is not to be construed as limiting the invention, but
simply a tool to facilitate the reader in understanding the present
invention. The interior of holder 102 has two sets of teeth, which are
oriented in opposite directions. Each set of teeth extend for
approximately half the width of holder 102. Teeth 132 are disposed on the
upper inner surface of holder 102 (See FIG. 1B). Teeth 130 are disposed on
the lower inner surface of holder 102 (See FIG. 1F). The arrows on top of
the holder indicate which direction the strap can move when the strap is
positioned under that arrow. When strap 120 is inserted through to the far
side of the holder, as shown in FIGS. 1C, the strap can only move in the
direction indicated by the arrow above it (i.e., the strap is locked and
can only be tightened). When strap 120 is slid over to the near side of
the holder, as shown in FIG. 1E, the strap can only move in the direction
indicated by the arrow above it (i.e., the strap is unlocked and can only
loosen). A retainer wall 112, perpendicular to the teeth in the holder,
divides the holder into two parts, one part having the upper teeth and the
other part having the lower teeth. The retainer wall 112 keeps strap 120
in either the locked or unlocked position. To slide the strap from an
unlocked to a locked position and visa versa, retainer 110 is lifted up,
preferably, by its sides 116, so that wall 112 moves up in a slot 113 in
holder 102 to permit the strap to pass underneath it.
Retainer 110 is attached to holder 102 by a flexible web 114. After the
user slides the strap to the other side of the holder, the user may then
move the retainer wall 112 back down through slot 113, thereby preventing
the strap from moving to the other side. The upper and lower teeth 132,
130 in the holder are sufficiently flexible due to notches 142, 140,
respectively, to permit the strap to move in the direction indicated by
the arrows on holder 102. Teeth 130, 132, therefore, have a spring like
effect to make it easier for the strap to move in the direction of the
arrow above it, and also more difficult to move in the opposite direction.
The upper teeth 132 in the holder engage with the upper teeth on the strap
124 when the tie is being tightened. The lower teeth 130 in the holder
engage with the lower teeth on strap 122 when the tie is being loosened.
The sides 116 of retainer 110 may snap into the sides of holder 102 to more
securely hold the retainer in the installed position of FIG. 1C. Retainer
wall 112 preferably has a stepped shoulder or a ridge 115 at its bottom so
that wall 112 cannot be pulled all the way out of holder 102. To permit
retainer wall 112 to be initially pushed into slot 113, the bottom of wall
112 is preferably tapered so that wall 112 will snap into slot 113
relatively easily. Holder 102 has side walls 152, which are partially cut
away to simplify the molding of the internal teeth 130, 132 by eliminating
undercuts.
Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2F, another embodiment of a tie 200 is
illustrated. Tie 200 is similar tie 100, except for the retainer. Holder
202 is shown threaded from the left and, thus, the strap has an oval shape
262 around cables 260 (or other contents). Retainer 210, just as retainer
110, prevents the strap from moving from one side of the holder to the
other. Holder 202 has two sets of teeth, which are oriented in opposite
directions. Each set of teeth extend for approximately half the width of
the holder. Teeth 230 are disposed on half of the lower inner surface of
holder 202. Teeth 232 are disposed on half of the upper inner surface of
holder 202. When strap 220 is on the near side of the holder (as viewed in
FIGS. 2C), the strap is permitted to move in the direction indicated by
the arrow above it (i.e., the strap is in the locked position and,
therefore, can only be tightened). The strap is restricted in movement in
the opposite direction because the teeth on the bottom of strap 222 engage
with the teeth on the bottom of holder 230, as illustrated in FIG. 2B.
When strap 220 is slid over to the far side of the holder, as viewed in
FIG. 2E, the strap is permitted to it move in the direction indicated by
the arrow above it (i.e., the strap is in the unlocked position and,
therefore, can only be loosened). The strap is restricted in movement in
the opposite direction because the teeth on the top of strap 224 engage
with the teeth 232 on the top of holder 202, as illustrated in FIG. 2F.
Retainer 210 has retainer legs 212, which keep the strap in one half of
the holder, in either the locked or unlocked position. To slide the strap
between the unlocked and locked position, retainer 210 is lifted with
respect to holder 202, for example, by being grasped at protrusions 216,
so that the legs 212 slide up in grooves 213. Retainer 210 is attached to
holder 202 by a flexible web 214 (see FIGS. 2C and 2E). After the user
slides the strap to the opposite side of the holder, the user may then
slide the legs 212 of retainer 210 back down into grooves 213 in holder
202. When legs 212 of retainer 210 are inserted all the way down in
grooves 213, legs 212 prevent the strap from moving to the other side of
the holder. The strap is, thus, fixed in its locked or unlocked position.
The upper and lower teeth in holder 232, 230 act as pawls because of
notches 242, 240, which provide teeth 232, 230 with a spring like effect
to permit the strap to move in a direction indicated by the arrow above
it, and make it almost impossible for the strap to move in a direction
opposite to the arrow. As the strap moves in the direction of the arrow,
the strap teeth slide past holder teeth 230, 232, thereby making an
audible click. Placing the strap in an oval shape is useful for hanging.
The bottom of holder 202 may have a hole 261 to hang the tie (see FIG.
2D).
Referring now to FIGS. 3A-4B, another embodiment of the tie is illustrated.
The ties of FIGS. 3A-4B differ from the previous embodiments in that the
tie is configured by the user to be non-releasable by inserting the strap
through the holder twice. Because the strap is inserted in both halves of
the holder, both strands of the strap are prevented from moving to the
other half of the holder. Thus, the tie is non-releasable. Tie 280 of
FIGS. 3A,3B may be made reusable if the user cuts the strap anywhere in
the locking loop 271, such as, for example, at location 270. Thereafter,
end piece 274 can be pulled through the holder and discarded, thereby
leaving an empty space in that half of the holder for the remaining strap
within the holder to slide into, and be released. The user can insert more
cables 278 (or any contents) and re-lock (or not re-lock) the tie by
making another (shorter) loop. The retainers in FIGS. 1A-2F are movable.
The retainer could also be non-movable, (i.e., a fixed divider). If the
retainer is non-movable, the multifunction tie is non-releasable, can be
threaded from either side, can form an oval or circular shape and can hold
one or two bundles. Alternatively, the retainer can be omitted, and the
strap can be inserted into the holder from both sides. In this arrangement
each portion of the strap side within the holder prevents the other
portion of the strap within the holder from sliding to the other side of
the holder. Thus, in this arrangement, the multi-function tie is also
non-releasable because, in effect, the strap acts as its own retainer.
FIGS. 4A and 4B show another use of the tie 290 holding two parallel
bundles. The tie can be the one shown in FIGS. 1A-1G or 2A-2F. Depending
upon how the tie is used by the user, it can be releasable or
non-releasable, can hold one or two bundles, can be threaded from the left
or right, can have a circular or oval shape, and can have a controlled
release. Even though the tie in FIGS. 3A and 3B is non-releasable, it is
still reusable. These functions do not exist in any other tie. Currently
manufacturers and users need to buy and stock different ties for these
different functions.
Ties 100, 200, 280 and 290 all have the same internal structure. Depending
upon how the user decides to use the tie, the strap can be threaded from
either direction and can, therefore, form a circular or oval shape. The
sides of the holders are cut out to facilitate injection molding of the
internal teeth (to eliminate undercuts) and to allow the tie to be easily
molded in one shot. The ties can be releasable and non-releasable.
Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5C, a two piece tie 300 is illustrated. One piece
of tie 300 includes a strap 316 that is integrally attached to a retainer
320. The other piece of tie 300 is a holder 310. Holder 310 has two bars
344 depending downwardly from a lower outer surface of the holder. When
the tie is in the locked position, one of the bars 344 engages with a slot
330 located on the bottom of retainer 320. The other bar 344 engages with
slot 330 when the tie is in the unlocked position. To move the holder from
a locked to an unlocked position, the user must disengage bar 344 by
lifting the holder 310 (i.e., moving the holder perpendicularly away from
the longitudinal direction of the extension of the strap) by the handles
311. When the tie is locked, FIG. 5B, a stripe 362 on the upper surface of
holder 310 and the top stripes 360 on the upper surface of retainer 320
are aligned (see FIG. 5B). When the tie is unlocked, stripes 362, 360 are
not aligned and the tie can loosen (i.e., move in the direction of the
arrow above it, see FIG. 5C). Bars 344 are asymmetrical (i.e., bars 344 do
not extend for the entire length of the holder) and will only fit into
slot 330 (which likewise extends only so far as to receive bar 344, not
the entire length of the holder) when the holder is properly oriented. If
the holder 310 is reversed, bars 344 will not fit into slot 330, because
the slot will not align with either bar, thereby ensuring that the
orientation of the teeth in the holder with respect to the teeth on the
strap is correct.
FIG. 6. shows another embodiment of the tie according to the present
invention, which illustrates how two (or more) ties according to the FIGS.
5A-5C embodiment may be configured to move in unison (requiring only 1
movement from the user). Holders 382, 386 are integrally attached by a
member 372 having a center handle 370 and a rod 375 directly underneath
the handle 370. Member 385, which is attached to retainers 384, 388, has
two holes 380 to receive rod 375. To move both straps in unison from a
locked position to an unlocked position or visa-versa, the user lifts the
handle 370 vertically out of one of the holes 380 to dislodge it, and
slides the assembly, which includes holders 382, 386, to the unlocked
position until rod 375 is aligned with the other hole 380. Thereafter, rod
375 is inserted into the other hole 380.
Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7E, another embodiment of a two piece tie is
illustrated. Retainer 430 slides in the direction of strap 450 (i.e.,
lengthwise) when moving from a locked to an unlocked position (or visa
versa). Holder 410 has an internal tooth 416 depending from its upper
surface and an internal tooth 418 depending from its lower surface on
bottom. FIG. 7C shows strap 450 held in position against the top tooth 416
by the retainer floor 440. In this position, the strap bypasses the bottom
tooth 418. The top teeth on the strap 452 mesh with tooth 416 so the strap
can only move in the direction of arrow B (i.e., in a tightened or locked
direction). FIG. 7D shows the strap 450 being held in position against the
bottom tooth 418 by the retainer roof 460, which prevents the strap from
contacting top tooth 416. The bottom teeth of the strap 454 mesh with
tooth 418 so the strap can only move in the direction of arrow C (i.e., in
a loosened or unlocked direction). Floor 440 or roof 460 of retainer 430
holds the strap in the upper (FIG. 7C) or lower (FIG. 7D) position,
respectively. Retainer 430 is held in an upper or lower position within
holder 410 by bosses 432, 434, which cannot bypass bosses 412, 414 on
holder 410. To move retainer 430 past bosses 412, 414, the user must
dislodge the retainer by pushing sidewall 462 of retainer 430 in sideways
(i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of extension of the
strap) to thereby permit the retainers bosses 432,434 to pass around the
bosses 412, 414 on holder 410, after which the user can move retainer
vertically up (or down) to the other position. A ridge 464 surrounds
retainer wall 462, to ensure that the retainer is not accidentally
dislodged. Ridge 464 also helps to keep the retainer 430 solidly in
position. Strap 450 may have parallel borders 466 on each side to prevent
the straps teeth from being damaged. Of course, straps on any of the other
exemplary ties disclosed herein could also have borders 466 if desired, in
which case the sides of the teeth in the holder may be beveled to ease
transition from one position or the other, as those skilled in the art
would readily recognize (see FIG. 1G).
FIG. 8 shows how two (or more) of the ties according to the FIGS. 7A-7E
embodiment may be configured to move in unison. Retainers 484 are
connected by an intermediate member 471, which has a handle 470 and a rod
474 fixedly connected to the handle. The holders 480 are connected by a
base member 489. Base member 489 has two holes 472 located next to each
other. To move two (or more) ties in unison from a locked to an unlocked
position (or visa versa), the user must dislodge handle 470 from one of
the holes 472 by lifting the handle 470. The assembly, including member
471, rod 474, handle 470, and retainers 484 is moved back (or forth) until
rod 474 is aligned with the other hole 472. Thereafter, rod 474 is
inserted into the other hole. Thus, both retainers 484 are moved in unison
into an upper or lower position within their respective holders 480 and
remain engaged until the user deliberately disengages them again.
FIGS. 9A-9D show a further embodiment of the present invention in the form
of a two piece swivel or pivot tie. Strap 520 is integral with retainer
530. To move the tie between a locked and an unlocked position, the user
must swivel holder 500 after it has been disengaged. To disengage holder
500, the user must first lift the holder vertically by handle 504 (i.e.,
in a direction perpendicular to the strap). A rod 508 engages with one of
two holes 512 in retainer 530 when the holder 500 is in place. Holes 512
are located only on one side of the retainer floor 528 so that the holder
will be oriented properly relative the strap. Handle 504 has a ridge 506,
which helps the user in grasping when lifting. Ridge 506 aligns with
indicators 522 to indicate when the tie is in the locked position (i.e.,
the strap can only be tightened by moving in the direction of arrow A).
The user lifts holder 500 vertically by handle 504 and disengages rod 508
from hole 512. Thereafter, the user pivots holder 500 to the unlocked
position at which point rod 508 may be lowered so that it engages with the
other hole 512, as shown in FIG. 9C. The tie is now unlocked and can be
loosened (move in direction of Arrow B). Retainer 530 has two portions 514
which surround strap 520 and keep it in place. FIGS. 9A and 9B show the
tie in the locked position and the handle 506 aligned with protrusions
522. FIGS. 9C and 9D show the tie in the unlocked position and handle 506
out of alignment with protrusions 522. The arc created by the holder as it
pivots back and forth could be colored as indicated by shading 529 in FIG.
9A.
FIGS. 10A-10B show another embodiment of the pivot tie, which must be
"pushed down" to disengage, and pivoting holder 550 from the locked
position to the unlocked position (or visa versa). The bottom of holder
550 contains rod 532 which is attached to a disk 538. A pair of biasable
flaps 531, which are in the form of a leaf spring, are mounted at the
bottom of holder 550, about rod 532. Flaps 531 are compressed when the
user pushes down on holder 550. This compression permits notches 534 in
disk 538 to move under bosses 536, which bosses 536 project radially
inwardly from an inner cylindrical surface of retainer 551. Once notches
534 move under bosses 536, a user may then pivot the holder 550 from a
locked position to an unlocked position or vice versa. Holder 550 is
attached to disk 538 as a one piece assembly. Of course, flaps 531 could
be replaced by a compression spring or other biasable member.
Additionally, disk 538 itself, could deform and serve as the biasable
member. FIG. 10B shows the user pushing down on the holder 550 with
his/her thumb and forefinger and then rotating the holder to the other
position. Teeth (not shown) on the upper and lower inner surface of the
holder engage with teeth on the top and bottom of the strap to enable the
tie to either tighten or loosen.
FIGS. 11-12B shows two pivot ties that are attached so they can move from a
locked position to an unlocked position (or visa versa) in unison
requiring only one movement from the user. The user first lifts a handle
570, which is attached to a center disk 580. Lifting handle 570 disengages
a rod 568 depending downwardly from the lower surface of the disk 580 from
a hole 569 in a base 571 and allows the user to rotate disk 580 to the
other position. During rotation of disk 580, teeth 562 on the center disk
580 engage with teeth 564 on each of the holders 560 to allow the holders
to alternately move from a locked position to an unlocked position (and
vice versa). When handle 570 is lifted, teeth 562 lift until they are
stopped by a ledge 565 on each of the holders above the teeth 564. As
center disk 580 is rotated to the other position, rod 568 is aligned with
hole 569. Center rod 567 permits the disk 580 to swivel back and forth and
also holds it firmly in place. When handle 570 is aligned with protrusions
574, the ties are locked. When handle 570 is not aligned with protrusions
574 the ties are unlocked. FIG. 12A shows the ties in the locked position
(i.e., both straps 572 move in the direction of arrow A so that they can
only be tightened). FIG. 12B shows the ties in the unlocked position
(i.e., both straps 572 move in the direction of arrow B so that they can
only be loosened).
While the invention has been described as what is presently considered to
be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood
that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment, but, on the
contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent
arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
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